Vodafone confirms McLaren exit

Vodafone and McLaren have today confirmed that their seven-year title partnership will conclude at the end of the 2013 season.

Since 2007, Vodafone and McLaren have formed one of the most successful partnerships in the history of motorsport. In the past six years, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has scored 34 Grand Prix victories, won the 2008 Drivers’ World Championship and last season won seven races – no other team won more.

Having met and exceeded all the highly ambitious targets that Vodafone had set for its title partnership with McLaren, the company has now decided to focus on business priorities away from Formula 1 sponsorship.

Vodafone continues to be only McLaren’s fourth title partner in its 50-year history and we are committed to innovate together, both on and off the track, for the rest of this year.

While the current title partnership is in place with Vodafone, McLaren will not disclose its new title partnership, but will make an exciting announcement on 2nd December 2013, following the last Grand Prix of the season.

Vodafone Group Chief Commercial Officer Morten Lundal said: “Vodafone and McLaren set ourselves highly ambitious goals in 2007. Over the past six years, we've set new standards in sports marketing together, and in doing so have achieved all of those objectives. We look forward to continuing to work together throughout the 2013 season.”

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “We're immensely proud that, having been set a number of ambitious challenges by Vodafone back in 2007, together we've met or exceeded each and every one. Our focus is on continuing to drive results for all our partners throughout the 2013 season and we look forward to making a major title partnership announcement towards the end of the year.”